Students

AHPG824 – Greece and Rome: Caravan Cities

2017 – S2 External

General Information

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Unit convenor and teaching staff Unit convenor and teaching staff Unit Convenor
Peter Edwell
peter.edwell@mq.edu.au
Contact via peter.edwell@mq.edu.au
Credit points Credit points
4
Prerequisites Prerequisites
Admission to MAncHist or GradCertAncHist or MA in (Ancient History or Coptic Studies)
Corequisites Corequisites
Co-badged status Co-badged status
Co-badged with Honours, MRes, AHIS 348
Unit description Unit description
The unit aims to combine archaeology with history in the study of a number of key cities of the Roman Near East. The Silk Road and the Frankincense Road brought great prosperity to a number of cities of the Roman East, especially Petra, Palmyra and Dura Europos. Much of the history of these cities is written from a combination of archaeological reports and literary sources. Students will be given the opportunity to learn how to evaluate archaeological evidence against extant literary sources and also to study the architectural history of the Roman Near East.

Important Academic Dates

Information about important academic dates including deadlines for withdrawing from units are available at https://www.mq.edu.au/study/calendar-of-dates

Learning Outcomes

On successful completion of this unit, you will be able to:

  • Analyse and express your judgement about the development of trade in the Roman Near East and specific features of the main cities involved in this trade in oral and written form.
  • Interpret written and archaeological evidence with appreciation and understanding of their context and modern interpretations of them.
  • Work with and respond to the views of staff and other students in the unit in both oral and written form.
  • Plan, revise and submit written work according to schedule.
  • Draw together and judge pre-selected and self-located evidence to provide an analysis of trade in the Roman Near East and an important element of the cities involved in this trade.

Assessment Tasks

Name Weighting Hurdle Due
Short Essay (1250 words) 20% No 18 September
Major Essay (3000 words) 50% No 3 November
Participation 15% No 1 August - 31 October
Blog/Newspaper article 15% No 2 October

Short Essay (1250 words)

Due: 18 September
Weighting: 20%

Choose only one of the six questions below.

Dura Europos

 

  1. What are the important categories of evidence for the involvement of Dura Europos in long-distance (caravan) trade? Discuss the problems of identifying and interpreting archaeological evidence for long-distance and local trade with reference to Dura.
  2. What significant functions did Dura Europos perform other than those related to long-distance or local trade? To what extent does the evidence for these activities (archaeological or otherwise) complement or overshadow evidence for the city’s involvement in long-distance and local trade? 

 

Palmyra

  1. What are the important categories of evidence for the involvement of Palmyra in long-distance (caravan) trade? Discuss the problems of identifying and interpreting archaeological evidence for long-distance and local trade with reference to Dura.
  2. What significant functions did Palmyra perform other than those related to long-distance or local trade? To what extent does the evidence for these activities (archaeological or otherwise) complement or overshadow evidence for the city’s involvement in long-distance and local trade? 

 

Petra

  1. What are the important categories of evidence for the involvement of Petra in long-distance (caravan) trade? Discuss the problems of identifying and interpreting archaeological evidence for long-distance and local trade with reference to Dura.

       2. What significant functions did Petra perform other than those related to long-distance or local trade? To what extent does the      evidence for these activities (archaeological or otherwise) complement or overshadow evidence for the city’s involvement in long-distance and local trade? 
On successful completion you will be able to:
  • Analyse and express your judgement about the development of trade in the Roman Near East and specific features of the main cities involved in this trade in oral and written form.
  • Interpret written and archaeological evidence with appreciation and understanding of their context and modern interpretations of them.
  • Work with and respond to the views of staff and other students in the unit in both oral and written form.
  • Plan, revise and submit written work according to schedule.
  • Draw together and judge pre-selected and self-located evidence to provide an analysis of trade in the Roman Near East and an important element of the cities involved in this trade.

Major Essay (3000 words)

Due: 3 November
Weighting: 50%

 

What role did long-distance trade play in the ancient Roman economy? To what extent was local and long-distance trade a feature of Dura Europos, Palmyra and Petra in the Hellenistic and/or Roman periods? 

 
On successful completion you will be able to:
  • Analyse and express your judgement about the development of trade in the Roman Near East and specific features of the main cities involved in this trade in oral and written form.
  • Interpret written and archaeological evidence with appreciation and understanding of their context and modern interpretations of them.
  • Work with and respond to the views of staff and other students in the unit in both oral and written form.
  • Plan, revise and submit written work according to schedule.
  • Draw together and judge pre-selected and self-located evidence to provide an analysis of trade in the Roman Near East and an important element of the cities involved in this trade.

Participation

Due: 1 August - 31 October
Weighting: 15%

 

External students are expected to actively participate in online discussions which will be prompted by the unit convenor during the semester.

 
On successful completion you will be able to:
  • Analyse and express your judgement about the development of trade in the Roman Near East and specific features of the main cities involved in this trade in oral and written form.
  • Interpret written and archaeological evidence with appreciation and understanding of their context and modern interpretations of them.
  • Work with and respond to the views of staff and other students in the unit in both oral and written form.
  • Draw together and judge pre-selected and self-located evidence to provide an analysis of trade in the Roman Near East and an important element of the cities involved in this trade.

Blog/Newspaper article

Due: 2 October
Weighting: 15%

A newspaper or weblog (blog) focusing on the impact of the war in Syria on ancient archaeological sites, especially Palmyra and Dura Europos.  Ross Burns will present a seminar on the topic on 12 September. This will be recorded for external students. More resources will be provided on this topic in week 1 of the unit. 
On successful completion you will be able to:
  • Analyse and express your judgement about the development of trade in the Roman Near East and specific features of the main cities involved in this trade in oral and written form.
  • Interpret written and archaeological evidence with appreciation and understanding of their context and modern interpretations of them.
  • Plan, revise and submit written work according to schedule.
  • Draw together and judge pre-selected and self-located evidence to provide an analysis of trade in the Roman Near East and an important element of the cities involved in this trade.

Delivery and Resources

Pre-recorded lectures are available via Echo 360 on the unit i-learn page.

 

Unit Schedule

See schedule in Bibliography and unit resources file on i-learn page.

Learning and Teaching Activities

Seminars/Lectures

Seminars/Lectures are delivered live for internal students while pre-recorded lectures are available for external students via Echo 360 on the unit i-learn page.

Policies and Procedures

Macquarie University policies and procedures are accessible from Policy Central. Students should be aware of the following policies in particular with regard to Learning and Teaching:

Academic Honesty Policy http://mq.edu.au/policy/docs/academic_honesty/policy.html

Assessment Policy http://mq.edu.au/policy/docs/assessment/policy_2016.html

Grade Appeal Policy http://mq.edu.au/policy/docs/gradeappeal/policy.html

Complaint Management Procedure for Students and Members of the Public http://www.mq.edu.au/policy/docs/complaint_management/procedure.html​

Disruption to Studies Policy (in effect until Dec 4th, 2017): http://www.mq.edu.au/policy/docs/disruption_studies/policy.html

Special Consideration Policy (in effect from Dec 4th, 2017): https://staff.mq.edu.au/work/strategy-planning-and-governance/university-policies-and-procedures/policies/special-consideration

In addition, a number of other policies can be found in the Learning and Teaching Category of Policy Central.

Student Code of Conduct

Macquarie University students have a responsibility to be familiar with the Student Code of Conduct: https://students.mq.edu.au/support/student_conduct/

Results

Results shown in iLearn, or released directly by your Unit Convenor, are not confirmed as they are subject to final approval by the University. Once approved, final results will be sent to your student email address and will be made available in eStudent. For more information visit ask.mq.edu.au.

Student Support

Macquarie University provides a range of support services for students. For details, visit http://students.mq.edu.au/support/

Learning Skills

Learning Skills (mq.edu.au/learningskills) provides academic writing resources and study strategies to improve your marks and take control of your study.

Student Services and Support

Students with a disability are encouraged to contact the Disability Service who can provide appropriate help with any issues that arise during their studies.

Student Enquiries

For all student enquiries, visit Student Connect at ask.mq.edu.au

IT Help

For help with University computer systems and technology, visit http://www.mq.edu.au/about_us/offices_and_units/information_technology/help/. 

When using the University's IT, you must adhere to the Acceptable Use of IT Resources Policy. The policy applies to all who connect to the MQ network including students.

Graduate Capabilities

PG - Capable of Professional and Personal Judgment and Initiative

Our postgraduates will demonstrate a high standard of discernment and common sense in their professional and personal judgment. They will have the ability to make informed choices and decisions that reflect both the nature of their professional work and their personal perspectives.

This graduate capability is supported by:

Learning outcomes

  • Analyse and express your judgement about the development of trade in the Roman Near East and specific features of the main cities involved in this trade in oral and written form.
  • Interpret written and archaeological evidence with appreciation and understanding of their context and modern interpretations of them.
  • Work with and respond to the views of staff and other students in the unit in both oral and written form.
  • Plan, revise and submit written work according to schedule.
  • Draw together and judge pre-selected and self-located evidence to provide an analysis of trade in the Roman Near East and an important element of the cities involved in this trade.

Assessment tasks

  • Short Essay (1250 words)
  • Major Essay (3000 words)
  • Participation
  • Blog/Newspaper article

Learning and teaching activities

  • Seminars/Lectures are delivered live for internal students while pre-recorded lectures are available for external students via Echo 360 on the unit i-learn page.

PG - Discipline Knowledge and Skills

Our postgraduates will be able to demonstrate a significantly enhanced depth and breadth of knowledge, scholarly understanding, and specific subject content knowledge in their chosen fields.

This graduate capability is supported by:

Learning outcomes

  • Analyse and express your judgement about the development of trade in the Roman Near East and specific features of the main cities involved in this trade in oral and written form.
  • Draw together and judge pre-selected and self-located evidence to provide an analysis of trade in the Roman Near East and an important element of the cities involved in this trade.

Assessment tasks

  • Short Essay (1250 words)
  • Major Essay (3000 words)
  • Participation
  • Blog/Newspaper article

Learning and teaching activities

  • Seminars/Lectures are delivered live for internal students while pre-recorded lectures are available for external students via Echo 360 on the unit i-learn page.

PG - Critical, Analytical and Integrative Thinking

Our postgraduates will be capable of utilising and reflecting on prior knowledge and experience, of applying higher level critical thinking skills, and of integrating and synthesising learning and knowledge from a range of sources and environments. A characteristic of this form of thinking is the generation of new, professionally oriented knowledge through personal or group-based critique of practice and theory.

This graduate capability is supported by:

Learning outcomes

  • Analyse and express your judgement about the development of trade in the Roman Near East and specific features of the main cities involved in this trade in oral and written form.
  • Interpret written and archaeological evidence with appreciation and understanding of their context and modern interpretations of them.
  • Draw together and judge pre-selected and self-located evidence to provide an analysis of trade in the Roman Near East and an important element of the cities involved in this trade.

Assessment tasks

  • Short Essay (1250 words)
  • Major Essay (3000 words)
  • Participation
  • Blog/Newspaper article

Learning and teaching activities

  • Seminars/Lectures are delivered live for internal students while pre-recorded lectures are available for external students via Echo 360 on the unit i-learn page.

PG - Research and Problem Solving Capability

Our postgraduates will be capable of systematic enquiry; able to use research skills to create new knowledge that can be applied to real world issues, or contribute to a field of study or practice to enhance society. They will be capable of creative questioning, problem finding and problem solving.

This graduate capability is supported by:

Learning outcomes

  • Analyse and express your judgement about the development of trade in the Roman Near East and specific features of the main cities involved in this trade in oral and written form.
  • Interpret written and archaeological evidence with appreciation and understanding of their context and modern interpretations of them.
  • Work with and respond to the views of staff and other students in the unit in both oral and written form.
  • Draw together and judge pre-selected and self-located evidence to provide an analysis of trade in the Roman Near East and an important element of the cities involved in this trade.

Assessment tasks

  • Short Essay (1250 words)
  • Major Essay (3000 words)
  • Participation
  • Blog/Newspaper article

Learning and teaching activities

  • Seminars/Lectures are delivered live for internal students while pre-recorded lectures are available for external students via Echo 360 on the unit i-learn page.

PG - Effective Communication

Our postgraduates will be able to communicate effectively and convey their views to different social, cultural, and professional audiences. They will be able to use a variety of technologically supported media to communicate with empathy using a range of written, spoken or visual formats.

This graduate capability is supported by:

Learning outcomes

  • Analyse and express your judgement about the development of trade in the Roman Near East and specific features of the main cities involved in this trade in oral and written form.
  • Work with and respond to the views of staff and other students in the unit in both oral and written form.
  • Plan, revise and submit written work according to schedule.
  • Draw together and judge pre-selected and self-located evidence to provide an analysis of trade in the Roman Near East and an important element of the cities involved in this trade.

Assessment tasks

  • Short Essay (1250 words)
  • Major Essay (3000 words)
  • Participation
  • Blog/Newspaper article

PG - Engaged and Responsible, Active and Ethical Citizens

Our postgraduates will be ethically aware and capable of confident transformative action in relation to their professional responsibilities and the wider community. They will have a sense of connectedness with others and country and have a sense of mutual obligation. They will be able to appreciate the impact of their professional roles for social justice and inclusion related to national and global issues

This graduate capability is supported by:

Learning outcomes

  • Analyse and express your judgement about the development of trade in the Roman Near East and specific features of the main cities involved in this trade in oral and written form.
  • Work with and respond to the views of staff and other students in the unit in both oral and written form.

Assessment tasks

  • Short Essay (1250 words)
  • Major Essay (3000 words)
  • Participation
  • Blog/Newspaper article

Changes since First Published

Date Description
13/09/2017 Correction to first essay question